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Camper van insurance: Prices and requirements
Find camper van insurance policies recommended and reviewed by users and experts in the field. Keep reading to know more!
Before setting off on your next adventure, it’s worth making sure your camper van is properly insured. The right policy can protect both your vehicle and living space, cover damage caused by accidents, weather, or theft, and provide protection tailored to the way camper vans are used.
In this guide, we’ll explain the key differences between insuring a camper van and a motorhome, the types of coverage you should consider, the requirements for getting a camper van insured, and other important factors to help you make the best choice.
What are the differences between insurance for a camper van and insurance for a motorhome?
While camper vans and motorhomes may seem similar, there are a few important differences when it comes to insurance:
Coverage
A motorhome is built and registered as a recreational vehicle, so insurers usually offer policies that cover both the vehicle and its living space. A camper van, however, often starts as a standard van, and features like a bed, kitchen, or electrical setup may not be covered automatically. Before buying a policy, make sure it includes any modifications and equipment you’ve added.
Insured value
Motorhomes are usually easier to insure because their value is easier to determine. Camper vans can be more complex, as the van and conversion costs can add up to $45,000–90,000 or more. If the modifications aren’t properly declared, your insurer may not cover the van’s full value.
Eligibility requirements
Motorhome insurance policies usually require the vehicle to be officially registered as a motorhome. For camper vans, insurers often ask for documentation showing that all modifications have been properly approved and recorded. Without the proper documentation, your insurer may reject a claim following an accident, theft, or other covered incident.
Insured equipment
This is one of the most important things to check when choosing insurance for a camper van. Some policies include the interior equipment in the vehicle’s value, while others don’t cover it or only cover it up to a limit (usually around $3,500 to $17,000). Always ask clearly how your van’s equipment is covered.
What types of coverage should you consider before purchasing insurance for a camper van?
Here are the types of coverage you should look into before purchasing your next insurance policy.
Liability coverage
This is the minimum insurance required by law in most European countries. It covers damage you cause to other people or their property in an accident. If you regularly travel across different countries or live in your camper van full-time, it may be worth choosing a higher liability limit than the legal minimum for added peace of mind.
Damage to the insured vehicle
Comprehensive insurance typically covers damage to your own vehicle and is particularly important for camper vans, which often represent a significant investment.
Theft of the camper van
This coverage is essential. Camper vans are often targets for theft, especially when used for travel. Some policies require approved security devices like alarms, steering locks, or GPS trackers to activate the coverage or improve the terms.
Theft of interior equipment
This is separate from vehicle theft coverage. It protects items and built-in equipment inside the camper van, such as solar panels, lithium batteries, fridges, and cooking systems. Many policies exclude this or only cover it up to low limits. If your camper conversion is high value, make sure you declare it and add this coverage specifically.
Roadside assistance
If you live in your camper van, breaking down on a highway or remote road is more than just inconvenient; it leaves you without your home. Choose insurance with 24/7 roadside assistance, good towing cover, and protection in all the countries you plan to travel in. Some camper policies also include temporary accommodation if your van is off the road.
Weather events
Protection against hail, flooding, and strong winds is worth considering if you frequently travel through regions with unpredictable weather. Depending on the insurer, these risks may be included in comprehensive policies or available as optional extras.
Legal defense
Useful if you need to make a claim after an accident involving another party, especially abroad where the process can be more complicated. Some policies include it, while others offer it as an add-on.
What requirements do insurance companies typically have for insuring a camper van?
Before insuring a camper van, most insurance companies will check the following requirements:
Approval of modifications made
This is often the biggest hurdle for camper van owners. If a camper van has been converted but the changes aren’t officially recorded in its inspection documents, insurers may refuse to pay out. It’s best to register all modifications before getting insurance.
Required documentation
You’ll usually need the vehicle registration, an up-to-date technical inspection report, and a valid inspection certificate. Some insurers may also request photos of the interior to verify the equipment and modifications included in the policy. Some specialist insurers might even require a valuation report for the installed equipment.
Age of the camper van
Many insurers set age limits for comprehensive coverage, usually around 10 to 15 years. For older camper vans, it can be difficult to find full coverage at a reasonable price.
Value of installed equipment
When insuring a camper van, be sure to declare the value of any installed equipment. If you don’t and your camper van is stolen or damaged, you may receive far less compensation than the actual loss. Keep receipts and photos of the conversion and equipment as proof.
Driver profile
Your age, driving experience, claims history, and whether other drivers are included on the policy can all affect both the cost of insurance and whether you’re approved for coverage.
Reasons an insurer may deny coverage
Common reasons for denied coverage include undeclared modifications, failing to disclose commercial use of the vehicle, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or a history of frequent claims and accidents.
How much does insurance for a camper van cost?
Several factors can affect the cost of camper van insurance, including:
Value of the camper van and its equipment
The vehicle’s value is usually the biggest factor affecting the cost of insurance. A camper van worth around $17,000 may cost roughly $450–800 per year for comprehensive coverage, while a camper van valued at $70,000 could cost $1,700 or more per year, depending on the level of protection you choose.
Type of coverage purchased
Basic liability insurance can cost as little as $250–400 per year. Enhanced liability coverage, which may include theft, fire, and glass protection, typically ranges from $450–800 per year. Comprehensive coverage, with or without a deductible, can cost anywhere from $800 to more than $2,300 per year for high-value camper vans.
Domestic or international use
Traveling outside your home country can increase the cost of your insurance. Policies that provide coverage across Europe often cost 15% to 30% more than those that only cover domestic travel.
Driver experience
Drivers with several years of experience and a clean claims history generally benefit from lower premiums than newer drivers or those with previous accidents and claims.
The 5 best insurance policies for camper vans
The insurers listed below mainly operate in Europe. If you live in Latin America, companies such as MAPFRE, Allianz, Sura, and HDI may offer similar coverage. However, camper van insurance is less common in some countries, so it’s often a good idea to speak with a local insurance broker about coverage for a converted recreational vehicle.
| Insurance Company | RV Specialization | Interior Equipment | International Assistance | Comprehensive Coverage |
| Zalba-Caldú Camper | Yes | Up to $40,000 | Yes | Yes |
| FIATC Camper | Yes | Included | Yes | Yes |
| Allianz Camper | Yes | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| MAPFRE Camper | Partial | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Lolo Seguros Camper | Yes | Up to $30,000 | Yes | Yes |
Zalba-Caldú Camper
One of the most established providers in the market for camper vans. It offers dedicated cover for interior equipment, roadside assistance, and insurance for self-build camper van conversions, provided all modifications have been properly approved and registered.
FIATC Camper
An insurer with dedicated policies for motorhomes and camper vans. It stands out for including installed equipment as part of the vehicle’s insured value, without needing separate add-ons, and for providing roadside assistance across Europe.
Allianz Camper
It offers a wide range of coverage options and a strong international assistance network. Cover for interior equipment is available as an optional extra. It may be particularly appealing to travelers who spend a lot of time on the road in different European countries.
MAPFRE Camper
It operates in most European countries, which makes handling claims abroad much easier. Its cover for interior equipment is more limited than specialist providers, but its large assistance network is a big plus for frequent travelers.
Lolo Seguros Camper
A brokerage specializing in leisure vehicles that works with multiple insurers to find tailored coverage for different needs. It’s a good option if you have a custom-built camper or a high-value vehicle that standard insurers may be reluctant to cover.
What kind of insurance does a camper van need when traveling through multiple countries?
If you’re planning to travel through multiple countries, there are a few insurance details worth checking before you set off:
International coverage and geographic limits
Most policies include liability coverage across the European Economic Area and some neighboring countries. However, cover for things like damage, theft, or roadside assistance may be limited to your home country or just a few destinations. Always check the policy’s geographic coverage before traveling.
Assistance outside the home country
Look for policies that include vehicle repatriation, accommodation costs if your camper van is off the road for more than 24 hours, and multilingual phone support. These services make a real difference when you run into trouble far from home.
Incident management abroad
Some insurers have partner repair networks in Europe, while others make you pay first and claim the money back later. If you’re traveling for a long time, this can be a problem. Check how claims abroad are handled before buying the policy.
How can I get internet access while traveling in a camper van?
Having a stable internet connection on the road is no longer a luxury. It’s essential for dealing with insurance claims, working remotely, using navigation apps, and staying in touch with family and friends.
Holafly’s monthly plans are designed for frequent travelers or people moving across multiple countries. They offer unlimited data, hotspot sharing for other devices, and coverage in over 160 destinations. It’s especially useful for digital nomads and long-term travelers who want reliable internet without swapping SIM cards or dealing with surprise bills.
Frequently asked questions about camper van insurance
Not always, but if the modifications aren’t recorded in the inspection documents and you have an accident, the insurer may refuse to pay, saying the camper van doesn’t match the policy. Getting the conversion officially approved is the safest way to avoid problems.
It depends on the insurer and the type of policy. Some include it up to a certain limit, while others exclude it altogether. Always declare the value of your equipment when you take out the policy and make sure it’s clearly included in the contract.
Liability insurance is usually valid across Europe through the Green Card system. However, coverage for your own damage and roadside assistance may be limited to certain countries. Always check where each part of your policy applies before you travel.
It depends on the vehicle’s value, equipment, level of coverage, and the driver’s profile. As a rough guide, enhanced third-party insurance can cost around $450–800 per year, while comprehensive coverage typically ranges from $800 to $2,300 per year.
Only if they’ve been reported and, in most cases, approved. Modifications not reported to the insurance company are generally not covered.
Yes, although comprehensive insurance options usually become limited once the vehicle is over 10–15 years old. Specialized brokers such as Lolo Seguros or Zalba-Caldú can often find coverage for vehicles that standard insurers won’t accept.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
